Movies With Disabled Characters

From Robert Zemeckis, starring Tom Hanks, Robin Wright, Gary Sinise, Sally Field
Rated PG-13

Forrest Gump is a 1994 American comedy-drama film directed by Robert Zemeckis and written by Eric Roth. It stars Tom Hanks as Forrest Gump, a slow-witted but kind-hearted and deep-thinking man from Alabama who witnesses and unwittingly influences several defining historical events in the 20th century United States. The film follows his life from childhood to adulthood with flashbacks to his experiences in the Vietnam War. Along the way, he meets a girl named Jenny (Robin Wright) who becomes his best friend and his romantic interest. The film was a huge box office success and won multiple awards, including six Academy Awards, four Golden Globes, two Screen Actors Guild Awards, and a People's Choice Award. It ranks among the highest-grossing films of all time. The story is presented in a highly unconventional narrative style, where the events in the story are presented in non-linear fashion, and the film jumps from one period of Gump's life to another. The film is ultimately a story about love, friendship, and hope.

From Alfred Hitchcock, starring James Stewart, Grace Kelly, Wendell Corey, Thelma Ritter
Rated PG

Rear Window is a 1954 suspense/thriller film directed by Alfred Hitchcock and starring James Stewart, Grace Kelly, and Raymond Burr. The film follows the story of Jeffries (Stewart), a professional photographer confined to his wheelchair due to a broken leg, who passes the time in his apartment by spying on his neighbors through his rear window. When Jeffries begins to suspect one of his neighbors, Lars Thorwald (Burr), of killing his wife, he enlists the help of his girlfriend Lisa (Kelly) to prove his theory. The film follows their attempts to uncover the truth, while Jeffries is also forced to confront his own fear of taking action. Eventually Jeffries bravely pursues justice and puts himself in danger, leading to a thrilling finale.

From Directors: Olivier Nakache, Éric Toledano, starring François Cluzet, Omar Sy, Anne Le Ny, Audrey Fleurot
Rated R

The Intouchables (2011) is a French comedy-drama film directed by Olivier Nakache and Éric Toledano. The film follows the unlikely friendship between a wealthy but disabled man, Philippe (François Cluzet), and his ex-convict caretaker, Driss (Omar Sy). After a series of interviews and rejections from potential caretakers, Philippe takes a chance on Driss, despite his lack of experience. What follows is a series of hilarious and heartwarming moments as the two form an unlikely bond. The two take trips, explore Paris and challenge each other to push past their limits. In the process, they each learn something new about themselves and their world. The film serves as a reminder of the power of friendship, and it is sure to make you laugh and cry in equal measure.

From Clint Eastwood, starring Hilary Swank, Clint Eastwood, Morgan Freeman, Jay Baruchel
Rated PG-13

Million Dollar Baby is a 2004 sports drama film directed by Clint Eastwood, and starring Hilary Swank, Clint Eastwood, and Morgan Freeman. The film follows Maggie Fitzgerald, a determined young woman (Swank) who wants to pursue her dream of becoming a boxer. After being rejected by countless gyms, she finds a trainer in the unlikely form of Frankie Dunn (Eastwood). With the help of a former boxer-turned-manager (Freeman), Maggie begins a journey to realize her dreams of becoming a professional boxer. Along the way, she learns the harsh realities of the sport and the importance of friendship and dedication. The film culminates in an emotionally charged climax, as Maggie’s story reveals the value of resilience and determination in the face of adversity.

From George Miller, starring Tom Hardy, Charlize Theron, Nicholas Hoult, Zoë Kravitz
Rated R

Mad Max: Fury Road is a 2015 action film directed by George Miller. The film follows Max Rockatansky (Tom Hardy), a survivor of a post-apocalyptic wasteland who joins forces with Imperator Furiosa (Charlize Theron) as they fight to escape from a tyrannical ruler known as Immortan Joe. Along the way, they are pursued by Joe's army of War Boys and must protect a group of women who have been taken as brides. Max and Furiosa must rely on their skills, wits, and courage to survive the perilous journey and ultimately liberate the prisoners. The film is filled with stunning action sequences and cinematography, and its themes of hope, freedom, and togetherness are inspiring.

From Julian Schnabel, starring Mathieu Amalric, Emmanuelle Seigner, Marie-Josée Croze, Anne Consigny
Rated PG-13

The Diving Bell and the Butterfly (2007) is a biographical drama directed by Julian Schnabel and based on Jean-Dominique Bauby’s memoir of the same name. The film tells the story of Jean-Dominique Bauby, a former editor-in-chief of French Elle magazine, who wakes up after a stroke to find himself completely paralyzed, save for his left eye. This condition, known as “locked-in syndrome,” leaves him essentially trapped in his own body, a “diving bell” from which he can only view the world. Through his inner thoughts and the support of those around him, Bauby learns to regain some control of his life by expressing himself through blinking his eye. With the help of a speech therapist and a scribe, he is eventually able to write his memoir, in which he reflects on his life, his relationships, and his hopes for the future. The Diving Bell and the Butterfly is a powerful and moving story of identity, hope, and resilience in the face of extreme adversity. It is a testament to the power of the human spirit and the beauty that can be found in the darkest of places.

From Jim Sheridan, starring Daniel Day-Lewis, Brenda Fricker, Alison Whelan, Kirsten Sheridan
Rated R

My Left Foot follows the true story of Christy Brown, an Irishman born with cerebral palsy in 1932. Despite his physical limitations, Christy is determined to live a full life, and is aided by his devoted mother and a forward-thinking doctor. With the support of his family, Christy learns to write and paint with his only functional limb, his left foot. His inspiring story propels him to become an accomplished artist and author, and a powerful advocate for the disabled. Christy's courage and determination throughout his life serve as an inspiring reminder of the power of the human spirit.

From Andrew Niccol, starring Ethan Hawke, Uma Thurman, Jude Law, Gore Vidal
Rated PG-13

Gattaca is a 1997 science fiction film directed by Andrew Niccol. The story follows an individual's struggle to defy the genetic engineering of society and fulfill his dreams of space exploration. It stars Ethan Hawke as Vincent, an "in-valid" who was born naturally and is not allowed to pursue his dreams of becoming an astronaut. He instead takes on the identity of a genetically-enhanced "valid" medical officer, Jerome (Jude Law), in order to apply for a one-way ticket to a mission to Saturn's moon Titan. Along the way, he falls in love with Irene (Uma Thurman), a fellow invalid, and she helps him overcome his obstacles. With the help of his brother Anton (Loren Dean), Vincent succeeds in his mission, and ultimately realizes his true potential. The film serves as an exploration into the world of genetic engineering, and its dangers and implications on humanity.

From James Cameron, starring Sam Worthington, Zoe Saldana, Sigourney Weaver, Michelle Rodriguez
Rated PG-13

Avatar is a 2009 science fiction epic film directed, written, produced and co-edited by James Cameron, starring Sam Worthington, Zoe Saldana, Stephen Lang, Michelle Rodriguez, and Sigourney Weaver. The story is set in the mid-22nd century, when humans are colonizing Pandora, a lush habitable moon of a gas giant in the Alpha Centauri star system, in order to mine the mineral unobtanium, a room-temperature superconductor. The expansion of the mining colony threatens the continued existence of a local tribe of Na'vi – a humanoid species indigenous to Pandora. The film's title refers to a genetically engineered Na'vi body with the mind of a remotely located human that is used to interact with the natives of Pandora. The film follows the journey of Jake Sully, a paraplegic former Marine, who replaces his deceased twin brother as an Avatar Driver to interact with the Na'vi. As he learns the ways of the Na'vi and the rich spiritual world they inhabit, Jake finds himself drawn into the conflict between his own race and the Na'vi, forcing him to choose sides in a battle for the survival of Pandora's indigenous people and the resources that lie beneath their land.

From Damien O'Donnell, starring James McAvoy, Steven Robertson, Romola Garai, Alan King
Rated R

Rory O'Shea Was Here is a 2004 Irish drama film directed by Damien O'Donnell and starring James McAvoy, Steven Robertson, and Romola Garai. The film follows Rory O'Shea, a young man with muscular dystrophy, and Michael Connolly, an equally troubled man with a history of being in and out of institutions. Despite their disabilities, the two become friends and embark on a journey of independence and self-discovery. Together, they use their wit and determination to take on the world and prove that anything is possible. In the process, they also learn valuable lessons about life, love, and friendship.

From Directors: Henry Alex Rubin, Dana Adam Shapiro, starring Joe Soares, Keith Cavill, Mark Zupan, Robert Soares
Rated R

Murderball (2005) is a documentary directed by Henry Alex Rubin and Dana Adam Shapiro. The film follows the lives of wheelchair rugby players, also known as “Murderball”, who compete in the Paralympic Games. It focuses on the rivalry between former athlete Mark Zupan and rival Joe Soares, as well as the impact the game has on their personal lives. The film depicts the struggles of the players, as well as their triumphs, as they strive for success in their chosen sport. The film highlights the importance of teamwork and perseverance, as well as the strong bond the players have formed over time. It also illustrates the difficulties of life with a disability, and how the players have managed to overcome their limitations to become successful athletes.

From James Marsh, starring Eddie Redmayne, Felicity Jones, Tom Prior, Sophie Perry
Rated PG-13

The Theory of Everything is a biographical romantic drama that follows the life of famed physicist Stephen Hawking. As a bright, gifted student, Stephen Hawking (Eddie Redmayne) discovers his newfound passion for science that leads him to attend the renowned Cambridge University. There, he meets Jane (Felicity Jones), whom he quickly falls in love with and marries. But soon after, Hawking is diagnosed with motor neuron disease, which gradually robs him of his physical abilities. With Jane's unwavering support, he continues to work on his groundbreaking theories while facing the daily struggles of his condition. As his fame and celebrity rise, their marriage is tested by the attention and demands of his career, and Hawking ultimately faces a devastating choice between his work and his family. The Theory of Everything follows Hawking's inspiring story of resilience, determination, and love, as he continues to defy the impossible.

From John Krasinski, starring Emily Blunt, John Krasinski, Millicent Simmonds, Noah Jupe
Rated PG-13

A Quiet Place is a 2018 American horror film directed by John Krasinski. The film stars Krasinski and Emily Blunt as a family living in a post-apocalyptic world populated by blind alien creatures with ultra-sensitive hearing. To stay alive, the family must remain completely silent, communicating only through sign language. As the family struggles to survive without making a sound, they realize that even the slightest noise could put them in danger. With tension mounting and danger lurking around every corner, the family is forced to find a way to protect themselves from the creatures while staying quiet.

From Jacques Audiard, starring Marion Cotillard, Matthias Schoenaerts, Armand Verdure, Céline Sallette
Rated R

From Thea Sharrock, starring Emilia Clarke, Sam Claflin, Janet McTeer, Charles Dance
Rated PG-13

From Bryan Singer, starring Patrick Stewart, Hugh Jackman, Ian McKellen, Famke Janssen
Rated PG-13

From Pedro Almodóvar, starring Liberto Rabal, Francesca Neri, Javier Bardem, Ángela Molina
Rated R

From M. Night Shyamalan, starring Bruce Willis, Samuel L. Jackson, Robin Wright, Spencer Treat Clark
Rated PG-13

From Hal Ashby, starring Jane Fonda, Jon Voight, Bruce Dern, Penelope Milford
Rated R

From Rob Burnett, starring Craig Roberts, Paul Rudd, Selena Gomez, Alex Huff
Rated TV-MA

From Ben Lewin, starring John Hawkes, Helen Hunt, William H. Macy, Moon Bloodgood
Rated R

From Oliver Stone, starring Tom Cruise, Bryan Larkin, Raymond J. Barry, Caroline Kava
Rated R

From Roger Michell, starring Hugh Grant, Julia Roberts, Richard McCabe, Rhys Ifans
Rated PG-13

From Roman Polanski, starring Hugh Grant, Kristin Scott Thomas, Emmanuelle Seigner, Peter Coyote
Rated R

From Mike Newell, starring Hugh Grant, Andie MacDowell, James Fleet, Simon Callow
Rated R